Catalysts

ABSTRACT

Catalysts suitable for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions is described comprising the reaction product of a group (8) transition metal compound a chiral phosphine and a chiral diamine of formula (1) in which R 1 , R 2  R 3  or R 4  are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R 5 , R 6 , R 7  or R 8  are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R 1 , R 2 , R 3  or R 4  is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.

This invention relates to transition metal catalysts for performing asymmetric hydrogenation reactions and in particular to transition metal catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines.

Transition metal catalysts particularly those based on chiral ruthenium (Ru) phosphine complexes are known to be effective for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones. EP-B-0718265 describes the use of chiral Ru-bis(phosphine)-1,2-diamine complexes for the hydrogenation of ketones to produce chiral alcohols. Similarly, WO 01174829 describes a chiral Ru-Phanephos-1,2-diamine complex for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones.

Although it is accepted that the combination of bis(phosphine) and the chiral diamine ligands are important for achieving a high enantiomeric excess (ee) and a wide range of phosphine ligands has been described, only 1,2-diamine ligands have been widely used heretofore. By the term “1,2-diamines” we mean diamines wherein the carbon atoms to which the amine functionalities are bound are directly linked. Such diamines include chiral substituted ethylenediamine compounds such as (S,S)-diphenylethylenediamine ((S,S)-Dpen). Without wishing to be bound by any theory we believe that this is due to the perceived need for the resulting conformationally-stable 5-membered ring structure that forms when 1,2-diamines coordinate to the metal atom. Larger ring structures, for example those formed using 1,3- or 1,4-diamines can be less conformationally-stable and therefore may be expected to provide catalysts that give lower enantiomeric excesses than the corresponding catalysts prepared using 1,2-diamines.

Accordingly the chiral catalysts used heretofore comprise 1,2-diamines and have relied principally upon variation of the structure of the phosphine ligand to improve their enantioselectivity. Although effective for some substrates such as acetophenone, a range of ketone and imine substrates remain unreactive to the existing catalysts or are obtained with undesirably low enantiomeric excesses.

We have found surprisingly that chiral catalysts suitable for the hydrogenation of ketones and imines may comprise diamines that provide larger ring structures and that such catalysts can provide higher enantiomeric excesses than those comprising 1,2-diamines.

Accordingly the invention provides a chiral catalyst comprising the reaction product of a group 8 transition metal compound a chiral phosphine and a chiral diamine of formula (I)

In which R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.

The group 8 transition metal compound may be a compound of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), ruthenium, (Ru), rhodium (Rh), iridium (I), palladium (Pd) or platinum (Pt). For hydrogenation of ketones and imines the transition metal compound is preferably a compound of ruthenium.

The metal compound may be any metal compound that is able to react with the phosphine and the chiral diamine (I) to provide a metal complex catalyst. The metal compound is preferably a metal salt, e.g. halide, carboxylate, sulphonate or phosphonate, or an organometallic compound. Particularly suitable metal compounds include [RuCl₂(benzene)]₂ and [RuCl₂(cymene)]₂.

The chiral phosphine may be a monodentate or bidentate phosphine. Preferably the chiral phosphine is a chiral bis(phosphine). A range of chiral bis(phosphines) are known and may be used in the present invention. Suitable chiral bis(phosphines) include but are not restricted to the following structural types;

Preferably, the chiral phosphine is based on BINAP, DUPHOS, PHANEPHOS, and P-PHOS, more preferably BINAP where R=Tolyl (tol-BINAP) or P-PHOS where R=Phenyl (P-PHOS), tolyl (tol-P-PHOS) or Xylyl (xyl-P-PHOS) and especially xyl-P-PHOS.

The chiral diamine is of formula (I)

in which R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.

Alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched alkyl groups (e.g. C1-C20) such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, and stearyl, “cycloalkyl” is meant to encompass (e.g. C3-C10) cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or adamantly., Aryl groups may be phenyl (Ph), naphthyl (Np) or anthracyl and heteroaryl groups such as pyridyl. The alkyl groups may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as halide (Cl, Br, F or I) or alkoxy groups, e.g. methoxy, ethoxy or propoxy groups. The aryl groups may be optionally substituted with one or more substituent such as halide (Cl, Br, F or I), alkyl (C1-C20) alkoxy (C1-C20), amino (NR₂, where R=hydrogen or alkyl), hydroxy, halide (e.g. Cl, Br or F), carboxy (CO₂R′, R′═H or alkyl) or sulphonate groups. Suitable substituted aryl groups include 4-methylphenyl(tolyl), 3,5-dimethylphenyl(xylyl), 4-methoxyphenyl and 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl.

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ may be the same or different and are preferably selected from hydrogen or methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or 4-methylphenyl groups.

In one embodiment, R¹ and R² are linked or R³ and R⁴ are linked so as to form a 4 to 7-membered ring structure, preferably a 5- or 6-membered ring structure, incorporating the nitrogen atom.

Most preferably R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are the same and are hydrogen.

R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ may be the same or different and are preferably hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, cycloalkyl groups such as cyclohexyl, aryl groups such as substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or naphthyl groups.

In one embodiment one or more of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ may form one or more ring structures with the linking group A. The ring structure may comprise an alkyl or heteroalkyl 4- to 7-membered ring, preferably a 5- or 6-membered ring or may be an aromatic ring structure, e.g. aryl or hetero-aryl.

In EP-B-0718265 it was suggested that the nitrogen atoms of the diamine should be bound to chiral centres (centers of asymmetricity, p7, line line 2). We have found surprisingly that the chirality need not reside in these carbon atoms but may suitably be present in other parts of the diamine molecule, e.g. within R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ or linking group A.

The diamine ligand (I) is chiral. Preferably R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R⁸ or linking group A are chosen such that the ligand may be homochiral, i.e. (R,R) or (S,S) or have one (R) and one (S) centre. Preferably the chiral diamine is homochiral.

Linking group A provides a link between the carbon atoms to which the amine groups —NR¹R² and —NR³R⁴ are bound and comprises one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms. Substituting groups may replace one or both hydrogen atoms on the carbon atoms. The substituting groups may comprise one or more alkyl (C1-C20), alkoxy (C1-C20) or amino (NR₂, where R=hydrogen or alkyl) groups. The substituting groups may form one or more ring structures, e.g. a 4 to 7-membered ring structures incorporating one or more carbon atoms making up the linking group. Thus linking group A may comprise one or two carbon atoms forming part of one or more aromatic ring structures.

In one embodiment, the diamine is of formula (II)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R₆, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously described and B is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms. Preferably R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are hydrogen, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen or alkyl groups and B comprises C(CH₃)₂ or (CH₃)(OCH₃)C—C(CH₃(OCH₃).

In a further embodiment, the diamine is of formula (III)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously described and R′ is a protecting group. Preferably R¹, R² and R⁵ are hydrogen, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen or alkyl, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen, alkyl or aryl. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that a wide range of protecting groups R′ may be used for example alkyl, aryl, carboxylate, amido or sulphonate protecting groups may be used, e.g. benzyl (CH₂C₆H₅), methyl, tert-butyl, allyl, phenyl and substituted phenyls, CO₂C(CH₃)₃ (Boc), CO₂CH₂C₆H₅ (Cbz), ethyl carbonate, formamide, acetamides, benzamides, tosyl (Ts) and mesyl (Ms).

In a further embodiment, the diamine is of formula (IV)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are as previously described. Preferably R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷ are hydrogen and R⁵ and R⁸ are aryl or substituted aryl, most preferably C₆H₅.

In a further embodiment, the diamine has R¹, R², R³, R⁴ as hydrogen and is of formula (V)

wherein R⁵ and R⁸ are as previously described and n=1 or 2. Preferably R⁵ and R⁸ are hydrogen.

Thus suitable chiral diamines include but are not restricted to the following;

Particularly preferred diamines are PyrBD, DioBD, DAMTAR and dppn, more preferably PyrBD and DioBD, especially PyrBD.

We have found particularly effective combinations of bisphosphine, Group 8 metal and diamine of the present invention. Accordingly, group 8 transition metal catalysts of the present invention include but are not limited to the following;

Particularly preferred catalysts are;

-   -   (i) (bisphosphine)RuCl₂-PyrBD catalysts where the bisphosphine         is selected from the list comprising tol-BINAP and xyl-P-PHOS,     -   (ii) (bisphosphine)RuCl₂-DioBD catalysts where the bisphosphine         is selected from the list comprising tol-BINAP, and     -   (iii) Xyl-P-PHOSRu(diamine) catalysts where the diamine is         selected from the list consisting of dppn, PyrBd, DAMTAR and         DioBD, particularly dppn.     -   These catalysts have been found to be more active and/or         selective that their 1,2-diamine counterparts and other         combinations of bisphosphine and diamine of the present         invention.

The catalysts of the present invention may be readily prepared from the metal compound, phosphine and diamine. In general, the metal compound is combined with the phosphine in a suitable solvent and heated if necessary and then the diamine is added to form the desired metal complex catalyst. For example, P-PHOS compounds react under relatively mild conditions with [RuCl₂(benzene)₂]₂ and then 1,3-Dppn to form catalysts suitable for performing asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. This reaction is depicted below.

The chiral metal complex catalysts of the present invention may be applied to a number of asymmetric reactions used to produce chiral products. Such reactions include but are not limited to the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines. To achieve high levels of enantiomeric purity in the reaction it is preferred that the metal complex comprises a substantially enantiomerically-pure phosphine and 1,3- or 1,4-diamine ligands of the present invention.

The conditions for using the metal complex catalysts are typically similar to those used for structurally related catalysts. For example, for the asymmetric reduction of ketones, the above catalyst may be used at room temperature under standard hydrogen pressures in combination with a strong base such as a sodium or potassium alkoxide, e.g. potassium tert-butoxide (KO^(t)Bu) to yield chiral alcohols in high yield and enantiomeric excess.

Ketones and imines that may be reduced using catalysts of the present invention may be of formula RCXR′ in which R and R′ are substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl groups which may be linked and form part of a ring structure, e.g. a 5 or 6 membered ring structure, and X is O (Oxygen) or NR″ in which R″ may be alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl which may be linked to R and/or R′ as part of a ring structure.

We have found that the chiral catalysts of the present invention are able to catalyse the hydrogenation of alkyl- as well as aryl-ketones. Hydrogenation of alkyl-ketones, e.g. pinacolone, octanone, hexanone and cyclohexanone is extremely attractive and has not been successfully achieved with chiral bisphosphine ruthenium diamine catalysts heretofore. Thus a preferred use of the chiral catalysts of the present invention is the hydrogenation of alkyl ketones of formula RCOR′ in which R and R′ above are C1-C20 substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl which may be linked and form part of a ring structure, e.g. a 5 or 6 membered ring structure.

The invention is further illustrated by reference to the following examples. Unless otherwise stated room temperature was 20-25° C.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine (Dppn)

The diamine was prepared by the procedure of Roos et al. (Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 1999, 991-1000). The diol was prepared by transfer hydrogenation of the diketone by the procedure of Cossy (Tetrahedron Letters, 2001, 5005-5007).

A mixture of dibenzyloylmethane (2.5 g, 0.0117 mol), [RuCl(cymene)(R,R)Ts-Diphenylethylenediamine] (78 mg, 0.117 mmol) in triethylamine/formic acid azeotropic mix (5:2, 0.0234 mol) and dichloromethane (10 ml) was heated at 40° C. for 48 hrs. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue poured into water (100 ml) which resulted in the precipitation of a colourless solid. The solid was dried and used in the next step without further purification.

(b) 1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-Propanediazide

To the chiral 1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-Propanediol (0.150 g, 0.664 mmol) and triethylamine (0.205 g, 2.03 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (5 ml) at 0° C. under nitrogen was added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.102 ml, 1.33 mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 1 hr. The mixture was then filtered and the solid washed with a further portion of THF (5 ml). The solvent was then removed in vacuo to leave the crude product. To this crude product was added dimethylformamide (DMF) (2 ml) and sodium azide (0.135 g, 2.08 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) indicated complete conversion of the starting material. The DMF was removed in vacuo and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) added (25 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (25 ml) and brine (25 ml). The solvent was removed to yield the diazide as a colourless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 7.7-7.0 (10H, m, Ar—H), 4.7 (2H, t, CH), 2.0 (2H, t, CH₂).

(c) 1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-Propanediamine (dppn)

A mixture of the diazide (0.1 g, 2.79 mmol) and Pd/C (10 wt % Pd, 0.010 g) was stirred in an autoclave under hydrogen gas (80 psi) for 2 hrs. The hydrogen was released and the mixture filtered through celite. The solvent was removed to give the diamine as initially a colourless solid which was recrystallised by using a minimum amount of chloroform.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 7.7-7.0 (10H, m, Ar—H), 3.9 (2H, t, CH), 2.0 (2H, t, CH₂).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Dppn-Catalysts a) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(R,R)/(S,S)-DPPN}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-Xyl-P-Phos (100 mg, 0.132 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (31.5 mg, 0.063 mmol) in Dimethylformamide (1 ml) was heated at 100 C for 2.5 hrs under N₂. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (R,R)- or (S,S)-Dppn diamine (0.138 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) under nitrogen. The brown solution was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the crude complex as a brown solid.

Trans-Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(R,R)-DPPN}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.5 (s).

Trans-Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(R,R)-DPPN}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.5 (s).

Trans-Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(S,S)-DPPN}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.6 (s).

Trans-Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(S,S)-DPPN}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 43.9 (s).

b) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-BINAP}{(R,R)-DPPN}]

The above experiment was repeated combining (R)-Xyl-BINAP with [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer and reacting this with the (R,R)-Dppn.

The crude product was obtained by removal of the solvent. Trans-Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-BINAP}{(R,R)-DPPN}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.3 (s).

EXAMPLE 3 Hydrogenation Reactions Using Dppn-Catalysts

General method: Asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones (substrate to catalyst S/c ratio 1000/1): 2-propanol (2 mL), ketone (2 mmol) and 0.1 M potassium tert-butoxide (KO^(t)Bu) (50 μL, 5×10⁻³ mmol) were added in turn to a 25 mL autoclave charged with the ruthenium catalyst (2×10⁻³ mmol), under inert atmosphere. The vessel was first purged with hydrogen three times and then pressurised with hydrogen to 8.3 bar. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for the indicated time. The enantiomeric excess was determined by gas-chromatography using a Chirasil-DEX CB column.

Asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones (substrate to catalyst ratio=2500/1): 2-propanol (4.4 mL), ketone (5 mmol) and 0.1 M KO^(t)Bu (50 μL, 5×10⁻³ mmol) were added in turn to a 25 mL autoclave charged with the ruthenium catalyst (2×10⁻³ mmol), under inert atmosphere. The vessel was first purged with hydrogen three times and then pressurized with hydrogen to 145 psi. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for the indicated time. The enantiomeric excess was determined by gas-chromatography using a Chirasil-DEX CB column.

a) Hydrogenation of Acetophenone

Using the general method, the Dppn-catalysts of Example 2 gave the following results; Time Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. (%) Ee (%) (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 1000 3 100 93 (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 2500 3 100 95 (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 2500 2.5 100 95 (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 2500 6.5 95 95 (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 1000 5 100 69 (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 2500 6 100 74 (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn  1000# 12 100 95 (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(S,S)-Dppn  2500# 12 100 95 (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(S,S)-Dppn 10000* 24 100 95.3 #Hydrogenated at 10 bar *General method as for S/c 2500/1

In comparison to Xyl-P-Phos, when unsubstituted (R)-P-Phos was used as the chiral bisphosphine in combination with (R,R)-Dppn, the ruthenium catalyst was less selective and after a reaction time of 18 hours gave a lower ee of 36%. This result shows the particular effectiveness of the combination of xyl-P-Phos and dppn in the Ru catalysed hydrogenation of aryl ketones.

b) Hydrogenation of Substituted Acetophenones

Using the general methods described in Example 3, hydrogenation was performed at 10 bar hydrogen on 2-propanol solutions of substituted acetophenones using (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂—(R,R)-Dppn or (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂—(S,S)-Dppn. The base/catalyst ratio was 50/1 for all. THe results are given below;

Ketone Catalyst S/c Time (h) Conv. (%) Ee (%) R = p-F (S, SS) 2500 14 >99 95 R = p-OMe (S, SS) 2500 14 >99 97.3 R = m-Me (S, SS) 2500 12 >99 96.4 R = o-Me (R, RR) 1000 20 >99 86 R = o-OMe (R, RR) 1000 24 >99 84 R = bis 3,5-CF₃ (S, SS) 1000 10 >99 95.7

The results show the catalysts to give good selectivities irrespective of the presence of electron donating or withdrawing substituents on the para or meta positions.

c) Hydrogenation of Pinacolone

Using the general method with the Dppn-catalysts of Example 2 gave the following results; Time Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv (%). Ee (%) (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 1000 16 46 65 (R)Xyl-BINAP-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dppn 1000 16 48 60

A comparative experiment was performed using the general method with a comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst based on 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (Dpen). Time Comparative Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv (%). Ee (%) (R)Xyl-BINAP-RuCl₂-(R,R)-Dpen 1000 16 30 11

The results demonstrate that the Dppn-catalysts of Example 2 can give an improved yield and enantiomeric excess over the comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst.

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of (3-Aminomethyl-5-6-dimethoxy-5-6-Dimethyl[1,4]-dioxan-2-yl]-methylamine [(S,S)-DioBD]

The intermediate diol was prepared according to literature procedure for steps (a) and (b). (Ley, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans 1, 1999, 1627).

EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of DioBD Catalysts (a) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-DioBD}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-TolBinap (100 mg, 0.147 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (37 mg, 0.0737 mmol) in Dimethylformamide (1 ml) was heated at 110° C. for 15 mins under N₂. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled and the dmf removed in vacuo. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (S,S)-DioBD diamine (34 mg, 0.147 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) under nitrogen. The yellowish solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr after which the solvent was removed in vacuo. The complex was extracted from the crude solid by addition of hexane:MTBE (1:1, 10 ml), filtration and removal of the solvent which resulted in the precipitation of a yellow solid. The solvent was completely removed and to give the complex as a yellow solid.

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-DioBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 44.8

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-DioBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 45.4

EXAMPLE 6 Hydrogenation Reactions Using DioBD-Catalysts (a) Hydrogenation of Tetralone

2-propanol (1 mL), tetralone (1 mmol) and 0.1 M KO^(t)Bu (50 μL, 5×10⁻³ mmol) were added in turn to a 25 mL autoclave charged with the ruthenium catalyst (2×10⁻³ mmol), under inert atmosphere. The vessel was first purged with hydrogen three times and then pressurized with hydrogen to 8.3 bar. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for the indicated time. The enantiomeric excess was determined by GC using a Chirasil-DEX CB column. Using this method, the DioBD-catalyst of Example 5 gave the following results; Time Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. (%) Ee (%) (S)TolBINAP-RuCl₂-(S,S)-DioBD 500 16 23.5 81

A comparative experiment was performed using the same method with a comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst based on 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (Dpen). Time Comparative Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. Ee (%) (S)TolBINAP-RuCl₂-(S,S)-Dpen 500 16 98 24

The result demonstrates that the DioBD-catalysts of Example 5 can give an improved enantiomeric excess over the comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst.

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of (2S,4S)-4-Amino-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (PyrBD)

The synthesis is based on the commercially available trans diol. Ganesh (Organic Letters, 2001,3, 103), has reported the synthesis of these diamines for use as analogues that stabilise DNA duplexes and triplexes.

(2S,4R)-4-Methanesulfonyloxy-2-methanesulfonyloxymethylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester: To a solution of alcohol (˜15 mmol) and triethylamine (6.5 mL, 45 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was slowly added mesylchloride (MsCi) (2.6 mL, 33 mmol). After stirring for 30 min at room temperature, the precipitated salts were filtered off and the reaction mixture was treated with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with MTBE (2×75 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 4.67 g (12.5 mmol, 83%) of a white solid which was used without further purification.

(i) (2S,4S)-4-Azido-2-azidomethylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester: A solution of mesylate (4.67 g, 12.5 mmol) and NaN₃ (2.43 g, 37.5 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was heated at 90° C. for 24 hrs. After cooling down to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (50 mL) and washed with H₂O (5×50 mL). The organic phase was then dried (anhydrous MgSO₄) and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a solid which was used without further purification. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 4.1 (1H, br s), 3.9 (1H, br m), 3.65 (1H, br s), 3.5-3.2 (3H, br m), 2.2 (1H, m), 2.0 (1H, m), 1.4 (9H, s).

(ii) (2S,4S)-4-Amino-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester. A mixture of the diazide (0.8 g, 2.79 mmol) and Pd/C (10 wt % Pd, 0.025 g) was stirred in an autoclave under hydrogen (80 psi) for 2 hrs. The hydrogen pressure was released and the mixture filtered through celite. The solvent was removed to give the diamine as a colourless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 3.75 (2H, br s), 3.4 (1H, m), 3.0-2.7 (3H, m), 2.25 (1H, m), 1.5-1.3 (10H, m).

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of PyrBD Catalysts a) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-Tol-Binap (100 mg, 0.147 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (37 mg, 0.0737 mmol) in Dimethylformamide (1 ml) was heated at 105° C. for 15 mins under nitrogen. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled and the DMF removed in vacuo. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (S,S)-PyrBD diamine (34 mg, 0.147 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) under nitrogen. The yellowish solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr after which the solvent was removed in vacuo. The complex was extracted from the crude solid by addition of hexane:MTBE (1:1, 10 ml), followed by filtration and removal of the solvent which resulted in the precipitation of a yellow solid. The solvent was removed under vacuo to give the complex as a yellow solid.

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 45.2 (d, J 37) and δ 41.3 (d, J 37)

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Tol-BINAP}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 44.5 (d, J 37) and δ 42.3 (d, J 37)

b) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-Xyl-P-Phos (51 mg, 0.066 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (16.8 mg, 0.0315 mmol) in Dimethylformamide (1 ml) was heated at 100° C. for 2.5 hrs under nitrogen. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (S,S)-PyrBD diamine (0.067 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) under nitrogen. The brown solution was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the crude complex as a brown solid.

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 45.2 (d, J 37) and δ 41.3 (d, J 30)

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-P-Phos}{(S,S)-PyrBD}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 44.6 (d, J 37) and δ 41.7 (d, J 37)

EXAMPLE 9 Hydrogenation Reactions Using PyrBD-Catalysts a) Hydrogenation of (3′5′)-bis(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone

Hydrogenation was performed according to the general method described in Example 3. The PyrBD-catalysts of Example 8 gave the following results; Time Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. (%) Ee (%) (S)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-PyrBD 1000 16 >98 69 (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl₂-PyrBD 1000 16 >98 91

A comparative experiment was performed using the general method with a comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst based on 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (Dpen). Time Comparative Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. Ee (%) (R)Xyl-P-Phos-RuCl2-(R,R)Dpen 1000 16 >98 60

The result demonstrates that the PyrBD-catalysts of Example 8 can give an improved enantiomeric excess over the comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst.

b) Hydrogenation of Isobutyrophenone

Hydrogenation was performed according to the general method described in Example 3. The PyrBD-catalyst of Example 8 gave the following results; Time Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. (%) Ee (%) (S)TolBINAP-RuCl₂-(S,S)PyrBD 1000 14 >98 80

A comparative experiment was performed using the general method with a comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst based on 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (Dpen). Time Comparative Catalyst S/c (hrs) Conv. Ee (%) (S)TolBINAP-RuCl₂-(S,S)Dpen 1000 48 81 87

The result demonstrates that the PyrBD-catalysts of Example 8 can give an improved activity and yield with comparable enantiomeric excess with the comparative 1,2-diamine catalyst.

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of (2S,3S)-2,3-O-isopropylidenebutane 1,4 diamine, DAMTAR

A mixture of (S,S),(−) 1,4-Di-O-p-toluolsulphonyl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-L-threitol (1.88 g, 4 mmol) and NaN3 (0.63 g, 10 mmol) in dmf (10 ml) was heated at 80° C. for 24 hrs. The dmf was removed in vacuo and the residue suspended in MTBE (150 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (3×100 ml), brine (100 ml), dried over MgSO4, filtered and the solvent removed by rotary evaporation to give the crude diazide. The product was obtained by column chromatography on silica gel, eluting with hexane:EtOAC (9:1) to give the pure diazide as a colourless liquid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 3.90 (1H, CH), 3.30 (2H, dddd, CH₂), 1.3 (3H, s, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) δ 110 (C), 76.6 (CH), 51.6 (CH₂), 26.8 (CH₃).

[(S,S) DAMTAR]

A mixture of the diazide (0.8 g, 2.79 mmol) and Pd/C (10 wt % Pd, 0.025 g) was stirred in an autoclave under H₂ (80 psi) for 2 hrs. The H₂ was released and the mixture filtered through celite. The solvent was removed to give the diamine as a colourless oil which eventually solidified upon standing.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 3.7 (1H, CH), 2.7 (2H, m, CH₂), 1.25 (3H, s, CH₃).

EXAMPLE 11 Preparation of DAMTAR Catalysts (a) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Tol-BINAP}{(R,R/S,S)-DAMTAR}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-Tol-Binap (100 mg, 0.147 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (37 mg, 0.0737 mmol) in Dimethylforrnamide (1 ml) was heated at 110° C. for 15 mins under N₂. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled and the dmf removed in vacuo. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (S,S)-DAMTAR diamine (34 mg, 0.147 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml) under nitrogen. The yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr after which the solvent was removed in vacuo. The complex was extracted from the crude solid by addition of hexane:MTBE (1:1, 10 ml), filtration and removal of the solvent which resulted in the precipitation of a yellow solid. The solvent was completely removed and to give the complex as a yellow solid.

(Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Tol-Binap}{(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.5 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Tol-Binap}{(S,S)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.8 (s).

The method was repeated using (S)-BINAP and (R)- and (S)-Xyl-BINAP. The analyses of the resulting products were as follows;

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Binap)}{(R,R-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 46.3 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-Binap}{(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-Binap}{(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.2 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-Binap}{(S,S)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.2 (s).

(b) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R/S)-Xyl-P-PHOS}}(R,R/S,S)-DAMTAR}]

A solution of (R)- or (S)-Xyl-P-PHOS (100 mg, 0.132 mmol) and [RuCl₂(benzene)] dimer (31.5 mg, 0.063 mmol) in Dimethylformamide (1 ml) was heated at 100° C. for 2.5 hrs under N₂. The dark red reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature. To this crude complex was added a solution of the (R,R)- or (S,S)-DAMTAR diamine (0.138 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) under nitrogen. The brown solution was stirred at room temperature overnight after which the solvent was removed in vacuo to yield the crude complex as a brown solid.

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Xyl-P-PHOS}{Cl₂(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 443.7 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-P-PHOS}{₂(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 43.4 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(S)-Xyl-P-PHOS}{₂(S,S)-DAMTAR{]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 43.7 (s).

The method was repeated using (R)- and (S)—P-PHOS. The analyses of the resulting products were as follows;

Ru[Cl₂{(R)—P-PHOS}{(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.4 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(R)—P-PHOS}{Cl₂(S,S)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.6 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(S)—P-PHOS}{Cl₂(R,R)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 44.8 (s).

Ru[Cl₂{(S)—P-PHOS}{₂(S,S)-DAMTAR}]. ³¹P NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 45.4 (s).

EXAMPLE 12 Hydrogenation Reactions Using DAMTAR Catalysts a) Hydrogenation of isopropyl-phenyl ketone

The general hydrogenation procedure of Example 3 was followed. For comparison, a series of 1,2-diamine catalysts were also tested. The results are given below; Time Alcohol Conv. Ee Catalyst S/C (hrs) Config. (%) (%) ((R)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 3 R 100 95 ((R)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 2.5 R 100 92 ((S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 2 S 100 97 ((S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 5 S 100 95 ((S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 2.5 S 100 93 ((S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R/S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 3 S 100 96 ((R)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R/S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 3 R 100 90-92 ((S/R-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 2 — 100 9 ((R)-Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 20 R 100 46 ((S)-Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 6 S 100 75 ((R)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 5 R 100 90 ((R)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 2 R 100 90 ((S)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(S,S-DAMtar) 1000/1 6 S 100 94 ((S)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(S,S/R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 2 S 100 96 ((S)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 2 S 100 97 ((S)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 2.5 S 100 97 ((S)-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 3.5 S 37 96 ((R)-Xyl-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 17 R 100 68 ((S)-Xyl-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R-DAMtar) 1000/1 14 S 100 58 ((S)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂(S,S-DPEN) 1000/1 3.5 R 50 73 ((S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S-DPEN) 1000/1 3.5 — — — ((S)-Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S-DPEN) 1000/1 3.5 — 1 — ((S)-PhanePhos)RuCl₂(R,R-DPEN) 1000/1 3.5 S 75 68 ((S)-Xyl-PhanePhos)RuCl₂(R,R-DPEN) 1000/1 3.5 R 19 8

The results show that excellent selectivities can be obtained using the combination of a phosphine and DAMTAR. Without wishing to be bound by theory it appears that the phosphine may be influencing the selectivity more so that a chiral phosphine in the presence of the racemic diamaine can give high ee.

b) Hydrogenation of Tetralone

Using the general method of example 3 tatralone was hydrogenated with a range of DAMTAR catalysts. The results are given below;

Time (hrs), Alcohol Conv. Ee Catalyst S/C Temp. Config. (%) (%) (S)-P-Phos)RuCl₂(S,S- 250 20, 30° C. R 99 88 DAMtar) ((S)-Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂ 500 20, 40° C. R 27 96 (R,R-DAMtar) ((S)-Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂ 250 0.6, 40° C.  R 99 96 (R,R-DAMtar) ((R)-Tol-Binap)RuCl₂ 250 48, 30° C. S 98 79 (R,R-DAMtar) ((S)-Binap)RuCl₂(R,R- 500 20, 40° C. R 28 86 DAMtar) ((R)-Xyl-Binap)RuCl₂ 500 20, 40° C. S 55 96 (S,S-DAMtar) ((S)-Xyl-Binap)RuCl₂ 500 20, 40° C. S 8 87 (S,S-DAMtar)

c) Hydrogenation of Substituted Tetralones

Using the general method of Example 3 a series of substituted tetralones were hydrogenated. The results are given below; Time conv Ee Ketone Catalyst (hrs) (%) (%)

((S)Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R)-DAMtar 0.15 96 91

((S)Xyl-P-Phos)RuCl₂(R,R)-DAMtar 0.4 98 98

((S)P-Phos)-RuCl₂(R,R)-DAMTar 2 99 ≧90 (98:2 syn:anti)

The results show that excellent ee s may be obtained using DAMTAR.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of cis,cis-SpiroDiamine

The trans,trans SpiroDiol intermediate was prepared according to literature procedure report by Chan (Tetrahedron Letters, 2000, 4425).

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of cis,cis-SpiroDiamine catalysts a) Preparation of Ru[Cl₂{(R)-PhanePHOS}{(cis,cis)-SpiroDiamine}]

(R)-PhanePHOS (33 mg, 0.058 mmol) and [Ru(benzene)Cl]₂ (14.7 mg, 0.0294 mmol) were placed in a Schienk flask and the air was replaced with nitrogen. Anhydrous, degassed DMF (1.5 ml) and toluene (2 ml) were added. The mixture was then heated at 105° C. for 4 hours. A red homogeneous solution was obtained. To the solution was then added solid cis,cis-SpiroDiamine (0.05889 mmol) and the solution heated again for 1.5 hrs at 105° C. The solvent was then removed under vacuo. The resulting solid was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and MTBE added. Removal of the solvent caused precipitation of a tan coloured solid. The solid was not collected but the solvent completely removed to give the crude complex, which was used without any further purification.

Ru[Cl₂{(R)-Phanephos){}(cis,cis)-SpiroDiamine}]: ³¹P NMR (CDCl₃): 44.68 ppm. 

1. A chiral catalyst comprising the reaction product of a ruthenium compound, a chiral bis(phosphine) selected from P-Phos, tol-P-Phos or xyl-P-Phos and a chiral diamine of formula (I)

in which R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R^(e) are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or 4-methylphenyl groups.
 4. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein R¹ and R² are linked or R³ and R⁴ are linked so as to form a 4 to 7-membered ring structure incorporating the nitrogen atom.
 5. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or naphthyl groups.
 6. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein one or more of R⁵, R⁶ R⁷ or R^(e) form one or more ring structures with the linking group A.
 7. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein a substituting group on the carbon atom of linking group A is alkyl (C1-C20), alkoxy (C1-C20) or amino or forms one or more ring structures incorporating one or more carbon atoms making up the linking group.
 8. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the chiral diamine is of formula (II)

wherein B is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.
 9. A catalyst according to claim 8 wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are hydrogen, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen or alkyl groups and B comprises C(CH₃)₂ or (CH₃)(OCH₃)C—C(CH₃(OCH₃).
 10. A catalyst according to claim 8 wherein the chiral diamine is selected from 3-Aminomethyl-5-6-dimethoxy-5-6-Dimethyl[1,4]-dioxan-2-yi]-methylamine (DioBD) or 2,3-O-isopropylidenebutane 1,4 diamine (DAMTAR).
 11. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the chiral diamine is of formula (III)

wherein R′ is a protecting group.
 12. A catalyst according to claim 11 wherein R¹, R² and R⁵ are hydrogen, R³ and R⁴ are hydrogen or alkyl, R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen, alkyl or aryl and R′ is selected from an alkyl, aryl, carboxylate, amido or sulphonate protecting group.
 13. A catalyst according to claim 11 wherein the chiral diamine is 4-Amino-2-aminomethylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tent-butyl ester (PyrBD).
 14. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the chiral diamine is of formula (IV)


15. A catalyst according to claim 14 wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁶, R⁷ are hydrogen and R⁵ and R⁸ are aryl or substituted aryl groups.
 16. A catalyst according to claim 14 wherein the chiral diamine is Diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine (Dppn).
 17. A catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the chiral diamine is of formula (V).

wherein n=1 or
 2. 18. A catalyst according to claim 17 wherein R⁵ and R⁸ are hydrogen.
 19. A method for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones and imines comprising contacting a ketone or imine with a strong base and a chiral catalyst comprising the reaction product of a ruthenium compound, a chiral bis(phosphine) selected from P-Phos, tol-P-Phos or xyl-P-Phos and a chiral diamine of formula (I)

in which R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, or cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a urethane or sulphonyl group and R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ or R^(e) are independently hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl or cycloalkyl group, or an aryl group, at least one of R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is hydrogen and A is a linking group comprising one or two substituted or unsubstituted carbon atoms.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the ketone is an alkyl ketone of formula RCOR′ in which R and R′ are substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated C1-C20 alkyl or cycloalkyl which may be linked and form part of a ring structure. 